DALLAS, Texas — Just nine games remain on the schedule for the Dallas Wings (14-11) to make their playoff push and the standings couldn’t be tighter. As of now, the Wings are tied for the sixth spot with the Washington Mystics (14-11) and half a game behind the Phoenix Mercury (15-11).
It’s safe to say that every game at this point is a “must-win”. In fact, with a loss tonight the Wings could easily drop down to the eighth spot in the standings. No pressure, right?
Wrong. The heat is especially on for Dallas who dropped back-to-back games going into the All-Star break.
On July 20th, the Wings visited Chi-Town hoping to win three straight games but instead lost 114-99 even behind Liz Cambage’s 23 points. Two days later Dallas dropped another game on home court against the Connecticut Sun 92-75.
The Wings picked the worst possible time to fall apart. Hopefully the All-Star break gave everyone the time to regroup and refocus.
The Wings also made a roster change right before the trade deadline. Forward Aerial Powers was traded for Washington Mystics guard Tayler Hill and a 2019 second round pick along with the rights to switch 2019 first round picks.
Hill has only played in 13 games this season with an average of less than five points per game. Her more productive season was in 2017 averaging 13.3 PPG but unfortunately tore her ACL in her right knee.
As for the Chicago Sky (9-17), the ladies in baby blue made a statement by taking down the red-hot Phoenix Mercury 101-87 on the road in their final game before the break.
Also worth mentioning, Chicago’s sharpshooter, Allie Quigley, impressed us all in the All-Star game’s halftime 3-point shooting contest. Quigley knocked down 29 points to win her second straight 3-point contest victory.
The Sky will also need another big performance by strong shooter Courtney Vandersloot. In the last meeting with Dallas, she earned the league’s seventh triple-double (13-10-15). You should also lookout for rookie Diamond DeShields who recently scored a career-high 25 points.
Dallas will have their hands full tonight trying to contain the 3-point threat since Chicago is tied with Connecticut for a league-best 35.9 percent from beyond.
Don’t let Chicago’s record fool you; they are tough team who will give you their all in each frame. Although Dallas has hit a rough patch, their effort has always been there and will keep them afloat.
Tipoff is set for 7:00pm CT at the College Park Center on FOX Sports Southwest Plus.
